WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 2017, I asked for a DSLR camera for our honeymoon to the Galápagos. I wanted to try my hand at taking some non-cell-phone photos of all the animals (and I mean ALL the animals). I was gifted a Canon Rebel T6i with a kit lens and incredible 55-250mm lens (thanks Dad & Sherri) as a “grad-birth-wed” present. 

Fast forward three years. I’ve embraced wildlife photography and love the fact that animals do whatever they want and I just have to be there, be patient, and capture them in their natural state. At times it’s frustrating, exhausting holding up a lens for what feels like forever, but always rewarding when you get 3 solid photos out of your 500 total.

Having seen my 3/500 wildlife photos, one day my friend Katie asked “will you do my family portraits? I’ll pay you for your time!” I’m sorry, what? You want to pay me? To take photos? Animals don’t do that… 

I was so nervous, but so grateful this was for a friend I could make mistakes in front of. It took a bit of time, but eventually it dawned on me—think of this portrait session like a wildlife session. (What? Um…are you suggesting the Guerras are animals, Katie?) Instead of focusing on immediately putting the family in exactly right pose, I let the family be themselves, do what they wanted, providing tiny tweaks to keep things as natural looking as possible. It was THEN that I was able to capture what were truly authentic, natural-looking, family photos.

Aha! Natural moments. THAT’S what I capture. THAT’S what I want to provide. THAT’S why I’m launching “Natural Moments by Katie Murray”, my new photography website and, well—business! 

Take a look at my new website, and don’t be afraid to hit that “contact” button. I would be honored to capture YOUR natural moments, whether its with a loved one, with your family, you rockin’ it solo, or with a pet. (Or, frankly, just OF your pet. You had to have seen that one coming.)

Thanks for reading, thanks for your support, and thanks for being your natural self!